Well pump installation



Nov. 7, 1950 C. C. WILLIAMS WELL PUMP INSTALLATION Filed April 14, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. 0/770/4/ 6. W/Y/Ia/w WQVOL Nov. 7, 1950 c. c. WILLIAMS 2,529,062

WELL PUMP INSTALLATION Filed April 14, 1947 99 5 -Sheets-Sheet 2 L E u 1 g A 94 93 /00 70 E g n ii:

1i 6 Ill mm I l r V /0/ 1 95 Z l 38 95 I 85 9/ 98 I I 0 HI I firik III I Fig.3

INVENTOR. C/fffora/ C VV/Mgms 7, 1950 c. c. WILLIAMS 2,529,062

WELL PUMP INSTALLATION Filed April 14, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VEN TOR.

Nov. 7, 1950 c. c. WILLIAMS 2,529,062

WELL PUMP INSTALLATION Filed April 14, 1947 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Nov. 7, 1950 c. c. WILLIAMS WELL PUMP INSTALLATION 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 14, 1947 Patented Nov. 7, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 8 Claims.

This invention relates to well pump installations and among other objects aims to provide an improved and simplified construction which eliminates expensive pump pits and water pollution incident thereto.

The nature of the invention may be readily understood by reference to illustrative apparatus embodying the invention and shown in the accompanying drawings.

In said drawings:

Fig. 1 is a vertical section of the apparatus embodying a multiple stage centrifugal pump, the section being taken on the broken plane l--l of Fig. 3.

Fig. 2 is a similar vertical section of a conventional plunger type pump.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section through the pump and housing taken on the plane 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a perspective View showing the tapered surface of the connector element by which external connections with the well piping are sealed;

Fig. 5 is a plan view showing one arrangement of external connections with the well.

Fig. 6 is an elevation partly in section, of a simplified connector and discharge construction, and illustrating also an offset arrangement wherein the pump is offset from the well.

Fig. '7 is a plan view partly in section of the discharge element and casing, the connector having been removed to facilitate illustration.

Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate methods of connecting the well casing to the housing, Fig. 8 illustrating one method of connecting the housing to a well casing of the sam diameter and Fig. 9 illustrating a method of connecting to a well casing of, smaller diameter.

Eeretofore well pits and above ground insulated housings have been employed to conceal the pump or associated apparatus and protect against freezing. It has been found that pits can not be made leakproof except at prohibitive expense, and therefore permit pollution by entry into the well of ground or surface water (since the well casing was cut or terminated below ground) and this was generally aggravated by location of the pit (for convenience in piping, etc.) too close to the house, barn or septic tank and absorption drains, etc., connected therewith. The same considerations make it dangerous to locate the well under the house with the pump, etc. in the bas ment. Moreover, these pits were just as costly as above ground housing, and it seldom happened that they could be located on high ground (as a protection against surface drainage) at a safe distance from the house, since the house itself is usually located on this higher ground.

According to the present invention, the apparatus provides a simple sealed connection (below round) with the well casing which not only prevents entry of pollution into the well casing but eliminates the construction of a concrete or similar pit, as well as an insulated housing above ground. It is adapted to be used with both plunger and rotary pumps. The latter as applied to wells are of more recent origin. One form operates by dividing the discharge from the pump and piping a portion of it down into the well'through an injector (at about Water level) which draws in water and forces it to the surface. Often these pumps are multi-stage pumps. They have the advantage of compactness, fewer parts, and steady discharge, over plunger pumps.

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate the invention as applied to a construction wherein the pump is in alignment with the well casing; and Fig. 6 illustrates the invention as applied to an offset construction ti herein the pump and associated apparatus may be located in a basement, etc. In both instances a permanent well pit and contamination by ground seepage are eliminated.

As here shown, all external piping (one example of which is shown in Fig. 5) is connected to a single connection casing l0. At each pipe connection H, l2, l3, 54, etc, the casing is provided with a seat iii (taperedjin this case) forming one element of the sealed connection between the exterior and the various passages associated with the pump, presently described in greater detail. The casing It has a simple and efficient leakproof connection below ground with the well casing or pipe Hi. This leakproof connection may be of any appropriate design. One simple connection of advantageous design is illustrated in Fig. 1.

As there shown, the packing I! which forms the seal between the casing Ill and pipe 16 is compressed by a sleeve or gland is connected to the well casing 56 preferably by some means which does not require threading of the well casing. Generally the well casing is set in position by the well driller before it is cut on at the desired level below ground, and since the point at which it is cut off cannot easily be determined in advance, it is troublesome, though not impossible, to thread the upper end of the severed casing. As here shown, the follower or gland is is connected to the well casing by a series of set screws l9. The follower l8 preferably is provided with a series of lugs (three or more) for bolts 2|, which also pass through corresponding lugs 22 on the lower end of the casing Ill. The latter is preferably reduced in diameter at its lower end, but preferably this reduction should be sufficient to accommodate well casings of various diameters. The difference in diameter being made up by varying the thickness of the packing ll between the well casing and the lower end 23 of casing 18. In the present case, the casing I0 is provided with an internal flange 24 which may seat on the upper end of the well casing or as shown here, on an adapter ring 25 bearing against the top of the casing. By using rings of different internal diameters, the apparatus is adapted to well casings of varying diameters. A similar ring 26 is located below the packing. The latter is thus compressed between flange 24 and the follower l8 upon tightening of bolts 2|, thereby sealing the connection between the casing Ill and the well casing I6. The upper ring 25 may advantageously be provided with an inwardly projecting flange 21 engaging the upper edge of 2B of the well casing to carry the weight of the ap paratus. tightened until the packing is fully compressed. It may be that the packing itself will form a sufliciently tight connection between casing l0 and well casing is as not to require the additional connecting surface of set screws l9; but as a matter of precaution, the set screws 19 are desirable to prevent separation between casing l5 and well casing l6 by the action of frost heaving or other forces.

' The pump discharge and other connections with the exterior are sealed by means of a single connector element 35 having therein passages 3H, 32, 33 and 34, corresponding to the several pipe connections (see Figs. 3 and 5). These passages terminate in orifices 35 on the outer face of the connector element 3!! in register with the aforesaid external connection. Surrounding the orifices 35 of each of these passages the surface of the connector element is a seat corresponding to (and therefore, in this case tapered as at 36) the seats l5 at each of the external connections H, 22, etc. Preferably a compressible gasket 31 is interposed between the inner and outer tapered surfaces to insure a perfect seal at each of the connections. If desired, the tapered surfaces l5 and 36 of the casing it and connector 36 respectively, may be formed by machining the interior and exterior of the casing I0 and connector with identical internal and external circular conical surfaces. However, the tapered surfaces are, of course, absorbed by the gasket.

For units of circular section registry between the passages and the connector 33 and the external connections H, l2, etc, is insured by providing one or more keys 38 and keyways 39 in the casing I!) and connector 35. Seating of the con- In this case, the set screws 19 are not nector provides a sealed connection with all exteriorpassages.

As shown in Fig. l the connector 35 may advantageously carry a single or multiple stage rotary pump [4 in this case housed in the connector and having its shaft 42 extending longitudinally of the casing. The details of such pump are conventional and need not be described' In Fig. l a multiple stage pump is shown wherein a portion of the discharge from the discharge orifice 43 is returned to the well through passage 44 and pipe 45, to an appropriate injector located below water level. The return water is elevated through pipe 46. Generally, the passage 43 is provided 4 with an adjusting valve (not shown) for regulating the proportion of the water returned to the well for operation of an injector. The details of pumps of this character are well known and need not be described here.

By arranging the seats I5 and 36 on an inclination instead of horizontally, the Wedging action of the seating surfaces advantageously increases the sealing pressure at the connections. Whil the weight of the connector 30 and its associated element is considerable and doubtless would insure a perfect seal at each of the connections through its weight alone, it is preferable as an additional precaution to provide positive means for tightly seating the connector 30 and maintaining a seal against any external forces. In the present case (see Fig. 1) the connector is pressed downwardly through the action of bolts 58 carried at the upper end of the cylindrical casing 53. The latter is connected to (threaded in this case) the upper end of 52 of casing l9, and the force of the bolts is transmitted through the element 53 (which may be a bar or a covering plate) and sleeve 54 around the pump shaft 42 to the pump cover plate 55. The connection between the element 53 and sleeve 54 is provided by a shoulder 56. Obviously other means for forcing the connector element 35 tightly against the seat 3'! may be employed if desired.

The'casing 54' may, if desired, be large enough to house a motor as well as various pump controlling elements, and in the case of a reciprocating pump it may house the reduction gearing, etc. Generally, however, it is preferable to locate the motor somewhat higher or even above ground so that access to it for oiling and servicing is simplified. It should be understood in this connection that the connector 38 and its associated elements are depressed su'ificiently below the ground surface to be safely below the frost line and out of danger of freezing.

The pump cover 55 and the associated tubular sleeve 54 may advantageously be used to center the driving motor relative to the centrifugal pump and its shaft. As here shown, the upper end of the sleeve is provided with a wide flange 58, which is rabbeted at 59 concentrically to the pump shaft 42 and the pump to provide means for centering the motor casing accurately. In this case the motor which is preferably located above ground is protected and concealed by the casing 6|. It should be understood that the motor casing is relatively inconspicuous and small as compared to the usual pump-housing. It is not unsightly and therefore is not objectionable above ground.

As shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 5, various connections from the exterior may be made with the pump. In the present case, in addition to the pump discharge connection H (which connects through pipe 64 with a storage tank), the casing is provided with a drain passage i2 adapted to return to the well (through passages 32, Fig. 3) water drained from a hydrant or the like. Such hydrant drains are necessary to prevent freezing. As shown in Fig. 5, the lower portion of the hydrant is below frost level, and when the hydrant is closed the water located in the pipes above frost level drains into the well through pipe 66 and the drain connection l2. The drain passage 32 in connector 39 registers with connection A2 for returning the drain water to the well casing. Leakage from packings, etc. inside the apparatus also may drain to the well through passage 32. Another connection transmits pump pressure to means by which operation of the pump is conr lled- In t e pre ent case, such conn ction 58 is located externallyof the pump so as to reflect true pump pressure. Thus pump pressure is trans-' mitted from discharge II to the connection I3 by which it is conducted to the passage 59 in the connector 36. The passage 6%) is. connected to a pressure control switchlfl (Fig. 2) for controlling the operation of the motor through electric lines 80.

Another connection which may be employed withmultiple stage pumps is a so-called low pres sure connection I4 which registers with the pas. sage SI in the connnector 3i; leading to a lower stage of the pump. Where low pressure supply is sufiicient, such a connection may be desirable.

The foregoing will be sufiicient to illustrate how other connections may be made, should they be desired. For an offset construction wherein the pump is in a basement or other remote place, the connector and the casing IE] against which it seats function to provide sealed connections with the exterior pipes running to the pump, etc. Other features incident to the directly connected pump (in Figs. 1 and 2) may be eliminated from the connector.

In Fig. 2 is illustrated the application of the invention to a direct connected plunger type pump. As there shown, the connector element 85 is provided like connector 36 with tapered surfaces 86 for sealing the connection with the vari- 5 ous external connections 8?, I38, etc. Details of the pump and its operating mechanism need not be described since they are conventional. It is sufiicient to point out that the pump plunger or rod 89 extends downwardly into the well to the pump cylinder 90. Water is elevated thereby through the drop pipe 9| connected to the connector element 55 from whence it passes through a discharge passage 92 to the discharge outlet 81. A suitable packing or differential piston 93 is provided to seal the pump rod against escape of water at the top. Any slight leakage is returned to the well through drain pipe 9 5 connected to the well by the drain passage 95 formed in the connector casing 85. The external casing 95 is connected with the well casing through packing 98 in a manner similar to that disclosed in Fig. 1. The connector 85 is held on its seat in a manner similar to that disclosed in Fig. 1 by bolts 58 acting through the cover plate 99 and the sleeve or pipe I66 threaded into the upper end of connector 85 to force the latter and the intervening gasket IEiI tightly against the tapered seats at the various connections 8'5, 88, etc. The tapered seats may, if desired, be formed as explained in connection with the construction shown in Fig. 1 by forming internal and external conical or flat tapered surfaces of identical pitch on the casing 516 and connector 85. In the present case the operating motor and its associated mechanism is located above the plate 99 and protected by an appropriate cover removable for easy access for servicing.

Figs. 6 and '7 illustrate a simplified construction for the connector and associated parts. Fig. 6 also illustrates a so-called offset construction wherein the pump Hi3, pressure or storage tank I04 are remotely located (as in a basement IE5) and connected to the well by a laterally extending line or lines I E36 and till, passing through the ground below frost level, or otherwise pro tected. A rotary pump requires a return passage ifil as explained in connection with the construction of Fig. 1. A plunger pump requires 6 of: course, be used only for shallow wells when thus offset. It will be understood that theabove described offset construction can be. used with the type of connector construction illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

In the simplified construction the connector I119 comprises a simple fitting to which the drop pipe or pipes III and H2 may be connected and having corresponding passages I I3 and I I4 therein leading to ports in an inclined, or beveled sealing face II5. For simplicity in machining this face is preferably a plane or flat face downwardly and inwardly inclined relative to the well axis. The discharge connection H6 is similarly simplified, having a mating sealing face Ill provided with ports, H8 and H91 leading to connections with the pipes I86 and IM. A gasket I2l lies between faces H5 and II! to insure a seal and to compensate for any qualities in the faces.

In the present instance the discharge connection H6 is carried by the housing or casing I22, the latter being provided with an opening to admit and fit the discharge connection which is fastened to the casing by brazing, welding, etc. The opposite side of the casing serves as an abutment for connector IE9 to carry the lateral thrust created by the pressure against. inclined faces I 25 and ill. The casing thus serves multiple functions and contributes to the simplified construction.

Casing I22 may be connected to the well casing 523 in any appropriate manner. In the present instance mechanical connection is effected by a series of set screws I2 1 and the-joint between the two casings is sealed by an appropriate sealing compound such as rubberized asphalt as sealing compound poured into the joints while hot. Such a sealing compound adheres well to the metal and remains soft at all temperatures.

In Figs. 8 and 9 are illustrated other methods of connecting the casing I22 with the well casing. In Fig. 8 wherein the well casing is of the same diameter as casing I22 the meeting ends of the casings are threaded and connected by plain couplings I20. If the diameter of the well casing be smaller than that of easing I22, the coupling may be a reducing coupling.

In Fig. 9 wherein the well casing is of smaller diameter than casing I22, the connection may be effected by an adapter ring I25 welded both to the well casing and casing I22.

Casing I22 referably extends to the surface of the ground and is covered by a removable cap I26 fastened to the top of the casing I22 by set screws I21 or the like. A gasket I28 provides a seal between the casing and its cap.

If it be desired to exert a positive pressure againstthe connector to hold on its seat, such pressure may be advantageously exerted by-a rod r or tube I28 seated or threaded in a recess I3! .in the top of the connector and extending into proximity with the top of the casing. Thrust is transmitted to the rod IZQ by an adjusting member I32 threaded through a transverse bar I33. The'latter is seated against lugs or stops I32 welded or otherwise connected to the inside of the casing. By screwing down the adjusting members I32 a thrust will be exerted through the rod against the connector I09 to hold the latter positively on its seat against displacement. A look nut I35 holds the member in adjusted position. The adjusting member and bar I32 may be easily removed to permit access to the connector. Preferably rod I29 is threaded into only a single pipe. The latter type of pump can 1.3 the recess I31 on the connector to provide means by which the connector and the drop pipe carried thereby may be introduced into and elevated from the well.

It should be understood that the illustrative apparatus may also be employed for dug wells, in which event the apparatus is suspended in the dug well below frost level, from a platform or other structure which covers the well hole.

Obviously the invention is not limited to the details of the illustrative apparatus, since these may be variously modified. For example, the invention is not limited to the specific type of pump used. Within the limits of pump suction a rotary suction pump may be used with a single drop pipe. If the necessary lift exceeds the limit of rotary pump suction, two drop pipes (as here shown) and a jet may be advantageously used. A reciprocating pump may also be used in the place of a rotary pump, with the aforesaid jet arrangement. Moreover it is not indispensable that all features of the invention be used conjointly since various features may be used to advantage in different combinations and subcombinations.

This application is a continuation in part of my copending application Serial 566,284, now abandoned.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. In a well pump construction the combination comprising a connection casing adapted to be located below frost level, said casing having therein a passage terminating in an orifice on the inner surface of the casing and having means on the exterior for connecting said passage with a conduit or the like, said casing having seating means on its inner face surrounding said orifice, a connector, a rotary pump carried thereby, said connector having an outer surface adapted to rest upon the inner surface of said casing, said outer surface having therein an orifice connected with said pump and having a seating surface surrounding said orifice and adapted to seat against the seating means on said casing, means for registering said orifices, and means for applying pressure at said seats to seal the connection between said orifices.

2. In a well pump construction the combination comprising a connection casing adapted to be located below frost level and carrying all connections with the exterior, said casing. having on its inner face orifices for each of said connections and having seating surfaces surrounding each of said orifices, a well casing, said connection casing being open at the bottom and having means associated therewith for making a sealed connection between said connection casing and said well casing, a connector element inside said connection casing and resting against said inner face of said connection casing, said connector element having in its outer surface a plurality of orifices adapted to register with the orifices in said connection casing, and having seating surfaces surrounding said orifices, and means for pressing together the seating surfaces on said connection casing and said connector element to form a sealed connection between the orifices in said connection casing and those in said connector element. v

3. In a well pump construction the combination comprising a connection casing open at both ends, a well casing, the lower end of said connection casing being adapted to be connected with said well casing, said connection casing having adjacent to it upper end a conical surface, passages in said connection casing terminating in orifices located in said conical surface, said passages having means for connecting the same on the exterior of the connection casing with conduits or the like, a connector carrying a rotary pump inside said casing, having an exterior conical surface adapted to rest against the conical surface in said connection casing, the conical surface of said connector having a plurality of orifices therein adapted to register with the aforesaid orifices in said connection casing, sealing means between said conical surfaces, and means for applying pressure to said conical surfaces to seal the connection between said registering orifices.

4. In a well pump construction the combination comprising a connection casing adapted to be located below frost level, said casing having therein a passage terminating in an orifice on the inner surface of the casing and having means on the exterior for connecting said passage with a conduit or the like, said casing having seating means on its inner face surrounding said orifice, a connector, a rotary pump carried thereby, said connector having an outer surface adapted to rest upon the inner surface of said casing, said outer surface having therein an orifice connected with said pump and having a seating surface surrounding said orifice and adapted to seat against the seating means on said casing, means for registering said orifices, means for applying pressure at said seats to seal the connection between said orifices to prevent entrance of ground leakage, a well casing terminating at said connection casing, the latter having an opening at its lower end to receive said. well casing, and means for providing a leak tight joint between said well and connection casings to prevent entrance of ground leakage.

5. In a well construction for use with a well pump, the combination comprising a housing extending to a point below the frost level in the ground, a connection casing incorporated in said housing at a point below frost level and having therein a passage terminating in an orifice on the inner face of ,said casing and having means on the exterior for connecting said passage with a conduit below frost level leading to the said pump, said inner face being downwardly inclined toward the center of said housing and providing a seat surrounding said orifice, a connector element inside said housing and having an orifice on its exterior surface adapted. to register with the orifice in said connection casing and provided with a seat surrounding said orifice complementary in inclination to that of the seat on said connection casing, said connector element being adapted to support a depending well drop pipe and being wedged against the inclined face of said connection casing, a gasket at said face to seal the joint between said connection casing and said connector element and a bar extending from the top of said connector element to a point adjacent the top of said housing.

6. In well construction for use with a well pump, the combination comprising a housing extending to a point below frost level in the ground,

a connection casing incorporated in said housing and having therein a passage terminating in an orifice on the inner face of said casing and having means on the exterior for connecting said passage with a conduit or the like, said inner face being downwardly inclined toward the center of said housing and providing a seat surrounding said orifice, a connector element inside said hous ing and having an orifice on its interior surface adapted to register with the orifice in said connection casing and provided with a seating surface around said orifice complementary in inclination to that of the seat on said connection casing, said connector element being adapted to support a depending well drop pipe and being wedged against the inclined face of said connection oasing to provide a sealed joint connecting said orifice, a rod extending upwardly through said housing and bearing against said connector element, and means at the top of said housing for appl ing a downward thrust to said rod to hold said connector element tightly seated.

7. In a well construction for use with a well pump construction the combination comprising a housing extending to a point below frost level, a connection casing incorporated in said housing and fastened thereto, said casing having therein a pair of separate passages leading to the exterior of said casing, pipes connected with said passages and adapted to lead to the said pump at a remote point, the face of said casing inside said housing being inclined toward the center of said housing to provide a seat, said passages terminating in orifices in said face, a connector element inside said housing having a seating surface complementary in inclination to that of the inclined face on said connection casing and having therein a pair of orifices adapted to register with the respective orifices in the inclined face of said connection casing, agasket between said inclined faces, said connector element having passages therein leading from the orifices in said element, said connector element being adapted to support a pair of depending well drop pipes connected 5 with the respective passages in said element, said connector element being wedged against the inclined face of said connection casing to seal the joints connecting said respective orifices.

10 8. In a well construction for use with a well pump the combination comprising a housing eX- tending to a point below frost level, a well casing connected at its upper end with said housing, a

connection casing incorporated in said housing and fastened thereto, said casing having therein a pair of separate passages leading to the exterior of said casing, pipes connected with said passages and adapted to lead to the said pump at a remote point, the face of said casing inside said housing being inclined toward the center of said housing to provide a seat, said passages terminating in orifices in said face, a connector element inside said housing having a seating surface complementary in inclination to that of the inclined face on said connection casing and having therein a pair of orifices adapted to register with the respective orifices in the inclined face of said con-- nection casing, a gasket between said inclined faces, said connector element having passages therein leading from the orifices in said element, said connector element being adapted to support a pair of depending well drop pipes connected with the respective passages in said element, said connector element being wedged against the inclined face of said connection casing to seal the joints connecting said respective orifices.

CLIFFORD C. WILLIAMS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,541,111 Buvinger et al June 9, 1925 1,557,224 Warner Oct. 13, 1925 2,150,799 Jacuzzi Mar. 14, 1939 2,344,958 Armstrong et a1. Mar. 28, 194-1 

